Dog walking licence introduced for Banstead Commons
Banstead Commons Conservators (BCC) are implementing a professional dog walking licence scheme on Banstead Commons, in Surrey, from 1 April 2025.
From this date, all dog walkers operating their business on any of its four sites – Banstead Heath, Banstead Downs, Park Downs and Burgh Heath – must be licensed to use them. A set annual licence fee of £365 will be payable.
Dog walking companies who have not registered their operations once this is in effect, will be in breach of its bye laws and may risk prosecution.
In addition, dog walkers will be required to sign up to a licence agreement giving reassurance that companies using the sites safely, they are insured, and wildlife and habitats are preserved.
Dog walkers will also have to have identification, issued by the BCC, on them at all times, and will have to allow any BCC staff member to read a dog’s chip to establish a dog owner’s details.
A joint statement issued by the Conservators: “With the increasing volume of professional dog walkers, including displacement from other areas that have already implemented restrictions, it has become necessary to take the responsible step of licensing this activity.
“This scheme will help regulate the numbers of dogs being walked commercially on our sites and ensure that companies are operating safely and treating Banstead Commons, its users and wildlife with respect and consideration.”
Dog walkers have accused the BCC of “intimidating” and “abusive” behaviour on the heath, claiming the BCC management team have taken pictures without asking them, and telling them to put dogs on the lead when the staff do not have authority to.
The dog walkers told the Epsom and Ewell Times the atmosphere on Banstead Heath is “horrible” and “really uncomfortable”.
In response, a spokesperson for BCC, told the newspaper: “All of our engagement with any user of Banstead Commons is done with respect and in accordance with our statutory duties.”
They added that BCC has received no complaints relating to the behaviour of its staff from professional dog walkers and said its staff will be issued with body worn cameras for their safety in future.
However, a council spokesperson told the Epsom and Ewell Times they have received some complaints about the management of Banstead Commons Conservators in the past 12 months, which are “being reviewed”.
